Fox Gas tank refurbishment

[gearhead77]

So, I saved some bucks (hopefully) by sending my injectors out for cleaning. While the tank is out and on the idea of doing things once, should I have the gas tank professionally cleaned and sealed? I live within easy driving distance of this place:

Moyer Fuel Tank Renu - antique gas tank repair restoration, classic car gas tanks GASTANK

NO RUST gas tanks, no tank too old, lifetime warranty on the repair and restoration of old gas tanks classic or antique GASTANKS

www.gas-tank.com

They clean and seal the tank. Looks like around $300. I’ve looked at the DIY kits and it seems like more than I’d like to attempt myself because I don’t think I can get it done 100% right .

I know I can buy a new tank for way cheaper than that, but would this help for long term preservation of the car. Part of me says yes and the other part says it’s lived 31 years the way it is, it can live the rest of its life without it. Car is low mile and I’m only the second owner.

 

[Deleted member 215073]

New fuel tanks are pretty cheap, I would go that route instead.

 

[africansnowowl]

I definitely wouldn't spend $300 to refurbish the old tank...

 

[Mustang5L5]

New tanks are under $100. With that $200 extra you can get a upgraded fuel pump.

I prob have $300 into my tank and it’s all new

 

[General karthief]

New tanks are under $100. With that $200 extra you can get a upgraded fuel pump.

I prob have $300 into my tank and it’s all new

did you paint that vent valve?

 

[gearhead77]

It seems it would be a better idea to have this service done if the car and parts were rare/ hard to come by. This is not true for Foxes of course.

I don’t think my tank is in need of replacement . Some spots of corrosion but nothing that appears detrimental even long term. Baffle is solid and solidly in place. Thanks for the help all.

 

[Ryuk]

Wire wheel, then hit the rust with some Ospho, then paint with rust inhibitor.

 

[Mustang5L5]

As long as the inside is nice and shiney and the baffle is in place, clean it up, paint it and send it. You can get new padding for it, or make your own.

 

[92mustang74]

Put in a new tank, sending unit, filler gasket, new straps, vent and pump and bracket for a bit over 200.

 

[gearhead77]

Put in a new tank, sending unit, filler gasket, new straps, vent and pump and bracket for a bit over 200.

I was looking at the refurbishment option just to keep the car original but with an upgrade for durability, which is my goal with this car. Parts being cheap and plentiful for these cars right now and probably the foreseeable future, that option is the most expensive by far. I already have a new sending unit, pump, hanger and filler gasket ready to go.

 

[gearhead77]

As an aside, what are the straps for that are glued to the tank for? Ground straps of some sort? Anti-chafing for the edges of the tank?

 

[Mustang5L5]

Straps glued to the tank? Gonna need a pic

 

[gearhead77]

Straps glued to the tank? Gonna need a pic

 

[Mustang5L5]

That "tape" was not present on my OEM gas tank when I dropped it.

 

[gearhead77]

That "tape" was not present on my OEM gas tank when I dropped it.

Hmmmm. It’s an 89 and I’m only the second owner. No mention of a rear end collision or tank replacement and no evidence of it unless it happened really early in the cars life. All the parts I’ve pulled out are stamped accordingly with either a VIN sticker or Ford part no. A manufacturing change at some point? The story used cars could tell (outside the realm of Carfax).

 

[Mustang5L5]

I went back to look at photos of my tank when I removed it. I guess that tape was on the tank. I didn't replace it though.

Old tank

 

[91TwighlightGT]

I can't imagine that isn't just a form of sound deadening or NVH reduction to keep the tank from making noise bumping the frame. They fit pretty tightly into the car back there.

 

[Mustang5L5]

I imagine he's only talking about the strips of what looks like electrical tape, and not the actual padding. You can see in my pic I only have one tiny piece on the left side, and a small strip flapping in the breeze on the right side.

 

[91TwighlightGT]

Oh... yeah, no idea what the duct tape is for

Maybe something used/left over from the assembly process, like holding fuel lines or electrical connectors in place or something.

 

[General karthief]

Help hold the plastic cover on the bottom during assembly